IDF Says It Has Launched "extensive" Ground Operations In Gaza

• 18.05.2025, 20:43

The Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff outlined the targets.

The Israel Defense Forces said it has launched "extensive" ground operations as part of the initial phase of a major new offensive in the Gaza Strip, the Times of Israel reported.

"Over the past day, Israel Defense Forces troops in the Southern Command, both regular army and reservists, launched an extensive ground operation throughout the northern and southern Gaza Strip as part of the launch of Operation Gideon's Chariots," the military said in a statement.

Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, while in Gaza on May 18, said the military would continue the offensive but that flexibility was possible so as not to disrupt hostage agreement negotiations that are ongoing in Qatar.

"The directive is clear: defeat the enemy and destroy its infrastructure wherever we operate," Zamir said.